CasablancaExpert

Gifts for the Video Producer - Free Webinar Recording Available

You may be aware that I presented a webinar last week where I shared gifts and gadgets for the video producer.  I shared nine video cameras (between $79 and $1,200), 25 accessories, some services, and a books that would make great gifts for the upcoming holidays (or anytime).

The wonderful world of technology -- the recording of the session was corrupt(live recording from PC to external HDD) but I had several folks who had asked about the recording the next day (they could not attend live due to schedule conflicts).

So - I went about presenting the session a second time, this time using a different recording method, and it worked fine!  (maybe second time's the charm?)

And this time I actually split the session into two segments to make it more convenient for folks to find what they're seeking:
1. cameras
2. gadgets, etc.

The two recordings along with a booklet - which has a listing of the recommendations and internet links to each item - are available now.

You'll find these resources on this page: Your Video Expert - Gifts for Video Producers Webinar

Free Webinar Cameras & Gadgets - Gifts for the Videographer

Cameras & Gadgets - Gifts for the Videographer
Tuesday November 15, 2011
5:30-6:30PM Pacific Time (click for other time zones)

Join Chet Davis presents the latest and best video cameras and gadgets - just in time for those video producers on your shopping list...maybe it's a gift for you!

You'll learn about the highest rated, best performing video cameras in several price ranges (from $150 to $1,500).

And Chet will present some of his personal favorite accessories and even 'stocking stuffers' that will make your videographer squeal with delight (well, maybe that's going too far).   

There will be an opportunity for questions at the end of the session and it promises to be a lively, enjoyable session.  Register here: Free Webinar - Cameras & Gadgets 

This session is absolutely free with no obligation - just part of the information and expert training available at www.YourVideoExpert.net.

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What is a Webinar?
It's a web-seminar or virtual seminar, delivered right to the computer in your home or office. Your presenter appears via a Web Cam from his studio and shows you his computer while he teachers and talks with you.

Unlike some other webinars available today - these Video Expert Classroom sessions are not veiled attempts to sell you some program or product.  This session is pure instruction, on-line learning in the comfort of your home or office.

You simply need a computer (Windows PC or Apple/Mac) connected to the internet. You register in advanced for the Webinar and then at the date and time, you log into your computer, entering the specific URL (web-page address) password you receive via email once you register.

Click here for a 2-page guide to attending a Webinar (PDF)
Click here for the detailed specifications required for your computer.

Casablanca Expert eNewsletter for November 2011

Today I sent out my free monthly email Newsletter for the Casablanca (video editing) community -- if you did not receive your copy, please check in the Junk Mail folder of your email program and if not there still, let me know so I can check the email distribution list. If you've not yet signed up for this free email newsletter, here's your opportunity:

Email Marketing You Can Trust

And you can read today's Casablanca Expert eNewsletter via the link below...it's chock full of information, news, and even several useful tips! 

Casablanca Expert eNewsletter for November 2011

 

MSUS Announces 3 new Bogart software: OS Update, Akaba/HD and Galilelo

MacroSystem US today announced the release of three (actually four) new products.  All these products are for the Casablanca Next Generation series of editors (those running on the Bogart Operating System).

Bogart 4.1g

This is a free update for anyone using the Bogart V4 Operating System already.  Here are the items that MSUS indicates are addressed in this update:

-BlueBox World and Candy Factory will work with Bogart 4 again.
-Improvements to the quality on analog video recordings into the S3000 and S6000 models.
-Using the pause button in HDMI display will no longer show a paused frame in reduced color.
-Using the pause button in SCART and DVI display will no longer just show a gray screen.
-Improved operation of some effects (e.g.: Columbus Rectangle, Tunnel 2, Motion 3D XL 1 & 2, Magic Lights, Title Effect packs 2 and 3) on some Bogart SE Casablanca models.
-Fixes to the analog record mode to reduce crashes after multiple record-stop captures.
-In Media Manager, audio sample editing will no longer cause crashes.
-Other small fixes and patches

This OS Update is available now for you to download and install - visit the MSUS Download Page here.

 

Akaba New Concept/Akaba HD

There two new software products are also for Bogart OS only. The Akaba New Concept is for those customers who traded in their Smart Edit Casablanca and had Akaba on their older editor - you already have the software activation code for Akaba New Concept - now you have the software it goes with! 

Note: this Akaba New Concept (V1.4) will only operate in a Standard Definition project and if you attempt it in HD you will apparently see the word 'demo' across the scene where the effect is applied.

That's why the company has released the new Abaka HD - this is essentially Akaba that works with High Definition (HD) Projects.  AND this version of Akaba will work in a dual-monitor mode on your Bogart OS editor.

Pricing for NTSC customers of the new Akaba program:

• Bogart OS editor with the Akaba NC code from a trade-in - $0 (free)
• Upgrade for Akaba New Concept owners -  $99.00.
• New Akaba HD purchases - $249.00.

Galileo

Galileo is a backup software program for the Media Manager. It allows you to backup and restore your films, music, and photos to an external device. Galileo will now be included as part of the HD Backup Bogart software, it will come as a separate code but is part of that software - so if you own Bogart HD Backup software, you are entitled to this new Galileo software.

If you already own HD Backup Bogart, simply send an email to sales@macrosystem.us with your serial number, and we will send you the unlock code for Galileo.

You can download a manual for Galileo here.

 

Cool Tools at Digital Video Expo: Black Diamond Best-of-Show Award Winners

Digital Video Expo West was a video themed conference and expo that took place last month in Pasadena, California.

The editors of Digital Video Magazine scanned the exhibit floor and have released what they determine are the latest and greatest products and awarded them the Digital Video Black Diamond Award.

There are 11 products receiving the Award this year - you can check them out, along with a brief summary on this page: Cool Tools at Digital Video Expo

Macrosystem AG Accepts Orders for the new SL-1000

Macrosystem AG announced today they are accepting orders for the newest Casablanca video editor, the SL-1000.  This slimmer Bogart OS editor made it's preview at the IFA Show in Berlin, Germany back in September 2011 (see previous post: New Casablanca SL-1000 Makes Showing at IFA 2011)

And it looks like those who order the SL-1000 by November 30th (2011) will benefit from a special limited of 1169 EU.  After this introductory offer the SL-1000 will have a list price of 1,299 EU.

 For further details - consult your PAL distributor or review the MSAG website here (German > English translation via Google Translate)

NOTE: Customers in North America - this product is presently only available (or in order phase) in PAL. No word on when we can expect it in NTSC.

Macrosystem AG Releases new Bogart V4 Update & Akaba HD

There's news this morning on the Macrosystem AG web site that a new version of the Smart Edit V4 Operating System (OS) has been released - that would be Bogart V4.1G.

Here is a translation from the German language web site into the English language, compliments of Google Translate:

Also released by Macrosystem AG today was the new version of Akaba, actually two versions... Akaba 1.4 and Akaba HD (again, translation below is from the German language web site into the English language, compliments of Google Translate).

As far as I can tell (from a possibly garbled translation) Akaba 1.4 is free to customers who already purchased Akaba New Concept version on/for their Smart Edit or Bogart OS editor - whereas the new Akaba HD is a new product that not only supports dual-monitor operation but also functions in HD resolutions. There is apparently an upgrade (reduced) price to go to Akaba HD from the regular Akaba New Concept if you need/desire those new features.  You can also apparently purchase the new Akaba HD ouright (for a higher price).

 

NOTE: Both these software releases are only for PAL Color Standard at this time -- readers in North America (NTSC Color Standard) will have to wait for the release of these products.

My First Animated Short - Created With On-line Tools

Just used this cool new software 'in the cloud' has to create animated videos. This is the first in a series I have created to share info about my new on-line resources for folks producing videos.

I'll have the next video posted Wednesday September 28th - come back and see how James enjoyed the webinar.

Incidentally - I will present a short video tutorial on my new website www.YourVideoExpert.net to show friends & colleagues how they can use this new animation tool for their own work. This video will be available on the new website this Saturday, October 1st, 2011.

New Casablanca SL-1000 Makes Showing at IFA 2011

Recently I posted here news about the introduction of the new Casablanca SL-1000 video editor, which is making it's premiere at the IFA 2011 Technology Show in Berlin, German. 

Today I have some photos of this forthcoming new model (click on the image for a larger view)

Front & top of SL-1000 (hands of Macrosystem CEO Jörg Sprave introducing the new model on the exhibit floor of IFA 2011)

Close-up or front connector panel - showing 4-pin firewire & USB ports

Close-up of part of the rear connector panel - showing analog audio and video inputs.

 

Here is a video clip showing Macrosystem CEO Jörg Sprave in an interview with CC Video School's Josef Veith as Jorg introduces the new Casablanca video editor (dialog is in the German language)

 

Casablanca SL-1000 to Premiere at IFA Technology Show in Berlin, Germany

As I shared previously here on the Casablanca Expert Blog - Macrosystem AG is exhibiting at the IFA 2011 Technology Show in Berlin, German (September 2-7, 2011). On the MSAG website is it mentioned that the company will show a brand new model - the Casablanca SL-1000.  Here is some additional information about this new product - thanks to Google translation of this German language website: http://www.pr-video.de/aktuell/index.php

The New Casablanca SL-1000. HD Video Editing for Professionals
The Casablanca SL-1000 is the specialist for high-definition video editing, only equipped with hardware and software components you need for cutting HD footage really. Import and cut AVCHD material as quickly and efficiently as you did not know before. Export your movies on a USB drive for use on TV viewing or on Facebook, YouTube or your web page.

Extend the functionality of the Casablanca SL-1000 as required by peripheral devices such as a Blu-ray burner - and software products like the Bogart Silver, Gold Edition, or additional effects.

The highlights of the new Casablanca SL-1000 at a glance:

• Processing of AVCHD footage
• Direct display of HD material during processing (cutting, trimming, splitting, ...)
• Export the finished video in AVCHD (MTS), or individual scenes in AVI format
• Expandable with peripherals such as Blu-ray burner or external hard drive
• TV connection via HDMI
• Compact housing dimensions with a unit height of only 7 cm
• Software Features: Bogart SE with Arabesk 4 5 Basic Edition

Soon to be available in 1299, - EUR *